Makes a striking accent in any garden, especially when it flowers. Lovage is an umbelliferous plant in the family Apiaceae, which makes it a cousin of the carrot. But this herb is a massive perennial plant that grows 6–8' in a single season. Use the leaves in salads or to make soup or season broths. The flavour is distinctly celery-like. Even the root can be eaten as a vegetable or grated into salads. Give it a corner in your vegetable or herb garden, but one or two plants will be ample. We recommend allowing the plants to bloom, as their flower heads are attractive to a wide range of predatory and beneficial insects. The flowers are followed by seeds that can be harvested and used as a spice, with a flavour similar to fennel seeds.
Lovage comes from the mountainous regions of southern Europe, primarily Italy, Greece, and France. Though its English name refers to the ancient belief in its aphrodisiac powers, it received its Latin name from a small town in Italy where the plant may have first been cultivated before the first century AD. Lovage was often used in making cordials and liqueurs; every part of the plant, including the roots and seeds, is edible. Because of their excellent deodorizing qualities, the leaves have often been used as an air freshener or to freshen the breath.
~ planting ~
To start lovage indoors, plant the seeds 1/4" deep in a flat 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Germination usually occurs within 10-14 days, but can be longer. Keep the soil lightly moist with a spray bottle or careful watering, and keep the temperature cool for best results. When the seedlings are big enough to handle and there is no chance of frost, plant them 2-3' apart in rich soil and full sun or partial shade. To direct sow, plant 3-4 seeds in groups 2-3' apart and thin to the strongest seedling. Lovage can also be direct sown in the fall for early spring growth.
~ growing ~
Lovage thrives in moist soil, and needs regular watering especially when it is becoming established. Control weeds. A very hardy herb, lovage survives cold well but will need mulching in very cold winters. Since lovage easily reseeds itself, cut the flowering heads before they go to seed to prevent volunteer plants. Cutting back the stems will cause the growth of new and more abundant leaves. After several years of growth, lovage benefits from being dug up and divided; the plant grows well from root and stem cuttings, and parts of the extensive roots can then be harvested for culinary use.
~ harvesting ~
As soon as the plant reaches a height of 12", harvesting can begin. Harvest fresh leaves or stems as needed, taking the outer stems first; the best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried. Though fresh leaves and stems have the best flavor, they can also frozen; drying tends to deprive them of flavor. The roots, which are also edible, can be harvested in the spring or fall after the plant has been established and needs to be divided. Wash the roots, cut them into 1/2" pieces, and spread them out to dry for several weeks. The seeds, which are similar in flavor to celery seed, can be harvested as soon as the seed heads begin to dry and develop mature seed. Store the seed in an airtight container.
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
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